Oil Palm Sustainability Standards in Malaysian and peat land management

The 15th International Peat Congress (IPC), held in Kuching from 15 to 19 August, serves as a platform for the International Peat Society (IPS) to promote responsible management and wise use of peatlands and peat to all those involved and interested parties. It is a great platform for international research community, practitioner and relevant stakeholders to share findings and practice in peat land management.

Hosted by the Malaysian Peat Society (MPS) in partnership with IPS, the theme for this year’s 2016 congress is ‘Peat lands in Harmony – Agriculture, Industry & Nature’ attended by more than 700 delegates from 44 countries. Presentations will relate to an integrated global perspective for the responsible use of peatlands and the preservation of their unique dynamics and natural biodiversity.

As palm oil production has time again linked to abuse of peat land, it was important for MPOCC to attend this congress to not only learn the current findings and issues, but also to promote MSPO Certification Scheme and its role in preservation and sustainable peatland management. MPOCC was represented by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harnarinder Singh, Dr. Sanath Kumaran, Chong Wei Kwang, Cheah Chi Ern and Tan Kai Yuuen.

To highlight the role MSPO have in peatland management, MPOCC submitted a paper titled “Oil Palm Sustainability Standards in Malaysia and Peat Land Management” and presented it as a one poster presentation during the congress for the viewing of the participants. MPOCC was there as well during breaks to be on standby to answer any questions participants may have regarding the scheme and its role in peat land management.

This year prestigious IPC Quadrennial marks as the first time where this congress have convened in South East Asia, outside of Europe and North America. The congress was attended by Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong with his Deputy, YB Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu, and the congress was officiated by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Haji Adenan Satem, Chief Minister of Sarawak.